Effectiveness of Self-Help plus in Preventing Mental Disorders in Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Western Europe: A Multinational Randomized Controlled Trial

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Marianna Purgato - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Kenneth Carswell - , World Health Organization (Author)
  • Federico Tedeschi - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Ceren Acarturk - , Koc University (Author)
  • Minna Anttila - , University of Turku (Author)
  • Teresa Au - , World Health Organization (Author)
  • Malek Bajbouj - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Josef Baumgartner - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • Massimo Biondi - , University of Rome La Sapienza (Author)
  • Rachel Churchill - , University of York (Author)
  • Pim Cuijpers - , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) (Author)
  • Markus Koesters - , Ulm University (Author)
  • Chiara Gastaldon - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Zeynep Ilkkursun - , Koc University (Author)
  • Tella Lantta - , University of Turku (Author)
  • Michela Nosè - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Giovanni Ostuzzi - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Davide Papola - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Mariana Popa - , University of Liverpool (UOL) (Author)
  • Valentina Roselli - , University of Rome La Sapienza (Author)
  • Marit Sijbrandij - , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) (Author)
  • Lorenzo Tarsitani - , University of Rome La Sapienza (Author)
  • Giulia Turrini - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Maritta Välimäki - , University of Turku (Author)
  • Lauren Walker - , University of York (Author)
  • Johannes Wancata - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • Elisa Zanini - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Ross White - , University of Liverpool (UOL) (Author)
  • Mark Van Ommeren - , World Health Organization (Author)
  • Corrado Barbui - , University of Verona (Author)

Abstract

Introduction: Self-Help Plus (SH+) is a group-based psychological intervention developed by the World Health Organization for managing stress. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of SH+ in preventing mental disorders in refugees and asylum seekers in Western Europe. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 5 European countries. Refugees and asylum seekers with psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire score ≥3), but without a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) or ICD/10 diagnosis of mental disorder, as assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), were randomized to SH+ or enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU). The primary outcome was the frequency of mental disorders with the MINI at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included the frequency of mental disorders at postintervention, self-identified problems, psychological symptoms, and other outcomes. Results: Four hundred fifty-nine individuals were randomly assigned to SH+ or ETAU. For the primary outcome, we found no difference in the frequency of mental disorders at 6 months (Cramer V = 0.007, p = 0.90, RR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.52-1.78), while the difference significantly favored SH+ at after the intervention (secondary outcome, measured within 2 weeks from the last session; Cramer V = 0.13, p = 0.01, RR = 0.50; 95% CI 0.29-0.87). Conclusions: This is the first randomized indicated prevention study with the aim of preventing the onset of mental disorders in asylum seekers and refugees in Western Europe. As a prevention effect of SH+ was not observed at 6 months, but rather after the intervention only, modalities to maintain its beneficial effect in the long term need to be identified.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)403-414
Number of pages12
JournalPsychotherapy and psychosomatics
Volume90
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2021
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 34350902
ORCID /0000-0001-7018-6021/work/168207902

Keywords

Keywords

  • Adult, Asylum seekers, Psychological stress, Psychological trauma, Psychological well-being, Randomized controlled trial, Refugees, Self-Help Plus